Boeing HorizonX

Maintenance Matters

Boeing T-X: Designed with Maintainers in Mind

November 16, 2017 in Defense

If the U.S. Air Force selects Boeing T-X as the winner of the Advanced Pilot Training System competition, it will gain value beyond the system’s high performance, flexible design and advanced training capabilities. Pilots, training command and the valued mechanics and ground crews that support the jet get an added bonus: a jet that is easy and affordable to maintain long-term – for readiness and fast turns that keep pilots flying.

Simply put: Boeing T-X was designed with maintainers in mind.

The system’s smart design features high wings, easy access panels and easy reach, fewer and more common fasteners, and easy access to critical items like the engine and seats. It’s also designed around common U.S. Air Force ground equipment and uses established suppliers to reduce supply chain complexity.

“Among other features, the side opening canopy gives you easy access for ejection seat changes, which only take maybe a couple hours in and out,” said Boeing airplane mechanic Joe Simmons. Adding, “And, a crew of four people can have the engine changed before lunch.”

Boeing Test Pilot Matt Giese said: “Boeing went the extra effort to make sure that this aircraft was designed for maintainers in addition to pilots and instructors.”

The Boeing T-X aircraft has one engine, twin tails, stadium seating and an advanced cockpit with embedded training. It’s the cornerstone of the complete advanced pilot training system, which includes state-of-the-art ground-based training and a maintenance friendly design for long-term supportability.